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Aust, Germany strengthen co-operation

Germany and Australia say they will pursue a strategic partnership on issues ranging from defence and clean energy to non-proliferation and trade.

The countries' foreign ministers, Bob Carr and Guido Westerwelle, in Berlin signed a "declaration of intent" on deepening bilateral relations as Europe's top economy seeks to bolster its standing in Asia.

"Australia is a strategic springboard for us in the Asia-Pacific region," Mr Westerwelle told reporters on Monday.

Bilateral trade volume has hit about 11 billion euros ($A14 billion) and is on the rise, according to the German government.

The six-page document outlined areas of future co-operation between the allies half a world away including defence, counter-terrorism, climate change and clean technology, research, culture and social and labour policy.

The ministers said the aim was to make headway on specific initiatives during more frequent meetings between officials from the two countries.